Five-year-old Saket was getting ready for school and just when his mother was about to help him wear his shoes, she was surprised that he pulled them on himself and tied his shoelaces, getting the bow knot right. When asked where he learnt it, “in life skills class in my school,” he replied casually. A chat with the class teacher revealed to the impressed and curious mother that children are being taught the basic self care, hygiene and various other skills which make them self reliant as part of the life skills programme. Many schools in Hyderabad have woken up to the need to have Life Skill Programme as part of their curriculum.
A wide range of skills such as time management, conflict resolution, impulse control, anger management, assertiveness, dealing with stress, self care, effective communication and socialising are taught as part of Life Skills.
Afshan Jabeen, Counsellor at Glendale Academy, feels that life-skills training helps in increased awareness, ability to introspect and reflect and this pattern tends to continue for life.
“School is a stage where children go through a development process and these skills are developed at this level so that when they become adults these can be put to practice,” says John Hemant Kumar, academic director and psychologist at Vivekananda School.
Different schools seem to be having a unique approach in teaching these skills to children.
“We have a special period allotted for life skills and value education at our school. Various ideas such as respect, cooperation, consideration and honesty are aspects of Value Education. Self care, water usage/recycling , caring for plants, nutrition, fitness, adapting to changes are some of the aspects we look into as part of life skills,” says Anjum Babukhan of Glendale Academy.
“We have a theme or topic every week which all the class mentors take up and discuss with children as part of life skills training…. it could be as simple as taking care of yourself from the sun, rain and pollution, to hardcore personal efficiency programmes based on the age group,” says Bandana Goswamy, counsellor at Indus World School.
And when the question of what age is appropriate to teach these skills comes, there seems to be a consensus that these can be taught as early as possible. At a young age, the mind is like a clean slate where early learning experiences get imprinted.
“Before completion of six years, the child can be taught all the basic life skills through activity-based learning. The child learns to do various activities using his skills and capabilities and hence these become reinforced as they grow up,” says John Hemant Kumar.
“Learning through observation is also strong in childhood, parents or teachers become role models for the child, thus certain skills are learnt purely through observation of the adults around,” says Venkata Suresh, Principal International school.
Children also seem to be receptive and enjoy these classes. Misaad Alwi of Standard X, International School says, “These sessions are very interesting and help us to make right decisions. Post the anger management sessions, we are aware of ourselves and know how to deal with our anger.”
Parents are very happy and impressed with the way schools seem to be taking interest in giving special importance to life skills training. Lakshmi, mother of 12-year-old says, “I'm happy that my child is learning these skills in school. It'll help them take charge of their lives and understand the value of informed choices.”
